Kennedy and Civil Rights in class notesheet 3.27.26

sit-in movement

A nonviolent protest where African Americans occupied segregated spaces, demanding to be served at a diner that refused them service. At first, no one paid attention to them, but eventually they faced violence and groups of white people violently attacking them while they sat back and accepted it and did not fight back. This was an example of civil disobedience where African Americans occupied segregated spaces.

The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)

committed to nonviolent disobedience and started in February 1960

What was President John F. Kennedy's initial stance on civil rights?

He initially did not advocate for equal rights and focused more on foreign policy as a progressive democrat

Bay of Pigs Invasion?

Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba and aimed to transform it into a communist state. This surprised the US, so kennedy gave the go ahead for secret invasion by FBI conducted by anti-communist cubans. Adter this, soviets agreed to put nuclear missles in cuba that could hit the US. This lead to the Cuban missile crises.

Cuban Missile Crisis?

Now that soviets had put weapons in Cuba, their nucelar weapons could hit the US muchquicker. Kennedy ordered a blockade of Cuba and engaged in secret talks with the Soviet Union, leading to the removal of their missiles from both Cuba and the US removal of missles in Turkey.

What were the Freedom Rides?

A series of bus trips organized by SNCC and civil rights activists to test the integration of interstate bus lines. interracial group met in DC and planned to ride buses from DC to new orleans. Start in early 1961, initially went well until they got to georgia, alabama etc. In alabama, a man threw dynamite at this. In the south, they were getting beaten badly when getting off at bus stops. Kennedy eventually sends in federal marshals and finally after presidential intervention, civil disobedience works.

Civil Disobedience

A nonviolent, public refusal to obey allegedly unjust laws in order to draw reactionary change

Birmingham Demonstration

A protest led by King and SCLC in Birmingham, where they faced violent opposition from police, attracting national attention. Birmingham police got violent against them in protests, brought in attack dogs and beat them with sticks.This attracted attention of moderate people, and as a result, forces a response from kennedy. JFK becomes first president eveor to advocate nationally for civil rights. Also note that they did not get permits for this protest but did it anyways

What was the significance of the March on Washington?

It was where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech, putting pressure on the government for civil rights action. They also finally got permits to do this protest.

Who was President Lyndon Baines Johnson?

He succeeded Kennedy and played a significant role in advancing civil rights legislation.

What landmark legislation did Johnson sign to support civil rights?

The Civil Rights Act

The Civil Rights Act

1964; banned discrimination in public acomodations, prohibited discrimination in any federally assisted program, outlawed discrimination in most employment; enlarged federal powers to protect voting rights and to speed school desegregation; this and the voting rights act helped to give African-Americans equality on paper, and more federally-protected power so that social equality was a more realistic goal. Passed by Lydon Johnson

What was the Freedom Summer?

A campaign aimed at increasing voter registration among African Americans in Mississippi.

What was the purpose of the Voting Rights Act?

To eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans and ensure their right to vote. Got rid of all the discriminatory voting laws like literacy tests

What was the role of the SCLC in the civil rights movement?

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was involved in organizing protests and advocating for civil rights.

What was the significance of JFK's support for civil rights?

He became the first president to advocate nationally for civil rights after the Birmingham protests.